The Winchester Virginia Temple will become the second temple in Virginia and will serve Latter-day Saints throughout the Shenandoah Valley, northern Virginia, eastern West Virginia, and surrounding areas. Located in Winchester, Virginia, the temple is currently under construction, bringing temple worship significantly closer to members who have long traveled to the Washington D.C. Temple.
A Brief History
President Russell M. Nelson announced the Winchester Virginia Temple during the April 2023 General Conference on April 2, 2023. At the time of the announcement, Virginia was home to more than 97,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in over 215 congregations. The temple was announced as Virginia's second temple, following the Richmond Virginia Temple, with additional temples later announced for Roanoke and Norfolk.
On October 30, 2023, the Church announced the temple site at 200 Merrimans Lane on an 11.27-acre property in Winchester. Plans called for a single-story temple of approximately 30,000 square feet. An official exterior rendering was released on December 16, 2024, showcasing an elegant design with a single attached tower.
Groundbreaking services were held on August 9, 2025, with Elder Robert M. Daines, Second Counselor in the North America Northeast Area Presidency, presiding. Construction has progressed steadily throughout 2026. Crews have completed the structural steel framework, erected the temple's steeple frame, framed the exterior walls, and most recently begun installing the exterior sheathing, marking another major milestone as the building takes shape. Open house and dedication dates have not yet been announced.
What Makes This Temple Unique?
The Winchester Virginia Temple is being constructed as a 30,000-square-foot single-story temple featuring two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry. The temple will include a graceful single attached tower, following one of the Church's modern temple designs that efficiently serves growing temple districts.
One of the temple's greatest strengths is its location in Virginia's historic Shenandoah Valley. Situated about 75 miles west of Washington, D.C., it will dramatically reduce travel time for members living in northwestern Virginia and neighboring West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania who have traditionally attended the Washington D.C. Temple.
The temple also occupies a spacious 11.27-acre site, providing room for beautifully landscaped grounds that will create a peaceful setting for worship while complementing the surrounding community.
Visiting the Temple
The Winchester Virginia Temple is located at:
200 Merrimans Lane
Winchester, Virginia 22601
At this time:
- Construction is underway.
- Groundbreaking was held on August 9, 2025.
- Exterior sheathing installation is in progress.
- The temple is not yet open for ordinances.
- Public open house and dedication dates have not yet been announced.
Once construction is complete, the public will be invited to tour the temple during a free open house before it is dedicated.
Fun Facts
- Will become the second temple in Virginia.
- Announced on April 2, 2023.
- Announced by President Russell M. Nelson.
- Temple site announced on October 30, 2023.
- Exterior rendering released on December 16, 2024.
- Groundbreaking held on August 9, 2025.
- Groundbreaking conducted by Elder Robert M. Daines.
- Built on an 11.27-acre site.
- Planned to be approximately 30,000 square feet.
- Features two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
- Includes a single attached tower.
- Exterior sheathing installation began during 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Winchester Virginia Temple represents another important milestone in bringing temple blessings closer to members throughout Virginia and the surrounding region. Its beautiful design, strategic location in the Shenandoah Valley, and steady construction progress have generated great excitement among local Church members. As work continues, many eagerly look forward to the day this sacred house of the Lord opens its doors.
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